The Joiners launches fundraising campaign to pay for building repairs

Southampton music venue The Joiners has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £5000 to pay for “critical” building repairs. The venue’s management says that, under their lease, they are responsible for maintaining the premises, and that various bits of work now need to be done to ensure the future of the space, which celebrates its 50th year as a music venue in 2018. However, the not-for-profit business can’t currently afford to pay for that work.

The venue’s posting on the GoFundMe fundraising site explains: “There are number of critical repairs that, if not carried out very soon, will mean we will not be able to keep the venue open far into the future. The building is subject to an ‘all repairing’ lease which means we are responsible for the general wear and tear of the building, [which is] now over 100 years old”.

The statement goes on: “The Joiners is not a profit making business but exists to provide a platform for emerging and local artists and during festival season we operate at a loss, therefore we currently have no funds to carry out this work. We are an independent business and some our staff even work voluntarily to keep the place going. We would really appreciate your help to keep the Joiners thriving into its 50th year next year”.

The venue’s managers conclude: “If you can spare anything please help us to keep this musical community hub flowing and to continue to do what you all love coming here so much for!”

The fundraising campaign, launched yesterday, had already raised over £4000 by first thing this morning. You can contribute here.